Trump’s arch is poised for final approval two days after the president’s election drubbing

The National Capital Planning Commission is expected to give final sign-off Thursday to President Donald Trump's 250-foot triumphal arch, clearing the way for construction that the administration says could start immediately. The vote comes just after the president's party took a beating in the midterms, and the White House wants the project advanced before Democrats take control of Congress in January. Trump has said he wants it finished before his term ends in two years. The commission's chair, who plans to vote yes, described the arch as an "historic effort.", according to CNN.

Opponents, including veterans and preservationists, are suing. They contend that building a new Washington monument without congressional authorization violates the Commemorative Works Act, and that the structure would mar sightlines among landmarks near Arlington National Cemetery. U. S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan wants to hear of the commission's decision within an hour, and the government must give 30 minutes' warning before building starts, though her order does not bar groundbreaking. Last week she questioned why the government could not hold off for several months.

An National Park Service assessment from August found harmful consequences for up to 42 historic sites, six of them most seriously.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN →